The enrolled nurse at the North Rockhampton Nursing Centre tested positive to the virus last week and has been placed in isolation.

Queensland Health launched an external investigation after it emerged the nurse had gone to work despite having mild symptoms and had also returned to the aged care facility after being tested for the virus.

The department confirmed last night the nurse had been suspended pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the matter, which has also been referred to the CCC.

Ms Palaszczuk has described the referral of the case to the CCC as “a procedural matter”.

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said last night the department was in the process of finalising the terms of reference for the external investigation into the circumstances surrounding the aged care nurse and the apparent breach of public health orders.

Initial tests for all residents and staff at the nursing home have all come back negative.

“Our focus remains on controlling COVID-19 and reducing its spread and protecting North Rockhampton Nursing Centre residents and staff, and the community, from infection,” the department spokeswoman said.

The nurse is believed to have contracted the virus while on a trip to Brisbane for a medical appointment.

She was working at a nurses’ station with floor-to-ceiling glass and is understood to have had minimal contact with nursing home residents.